‘Kissing bug’ disease creeps into US, but symptoms often missed

Spread through the feces of blood-sucking insects, Chagas can cause heart failure and damage intestines

"Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States have been infected with the potentially fatal “kissing bug” disease, but U.S. health care workers’ lack of awareness often prevents successful diagnosis and treatment, according to a report released this week."

"the disease can be transmitted to others. People are often unaware they have been infected and can know for sure only if they complete blood tests.

Over time, the disease can cause heart failure and intestinal complications."

Chagas disease often presents with massive periorbital edema/swelling known as Romana's Sign. If you haven't had this you most likely weren't bitten. Also T. cruzi is only really endemic to the southern most arid states; if you live anywhere other than this, you simply would never have be exposed to the vector.